Summary (tl;dr)

Costco is currently facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that the Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder it sells contains undisclosed levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and arsenic.

Essential Background

Orgain protein powder is a popular plant-based dietary supplement widely available, including in bulk at Costco warehouses. It is often marketed as a "high quality, clean and nutritious" product, appealing to health-conscious consumers due to its organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free claims. Previously, Orgain has issued recalls for other protein powder products due to undeclared allergens like sesame in October 2023 and peanut residue in December 2024, though these were unrelated to heavy metals.

The Full Story

On July 7, 2026, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Costco Wholesale Corporation in the U.S. District Court in Seattle. The lawsuit accuses Costco of selling Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder that is allegedly contaminated with toxic heavy metals, specifically lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Lab tests cited by the plaintiffs' lawyers, Hagens Berman, reportedly found lead levels up to 67 parts per billion (ppb), cadmium as high as 70.3 ppb, and arsenic at 19.8 ppb, which the firm claims exceed recognized safety thresholds. The complaint states that Costco marketed these powders as "high quality, clean and nutritious" without disclosing the alleged contamination, seeking damages and an injunction to halt further sales of the implicated Orgain products.

Why It Matters

This trend is significant because it raises serious concerns for consumers who purchase protein powders, particularly those seeking organic and plant-based options for health and wellness. The allegations of undisclosed heavy metal contamination could erode consumer trust in product labeling and quality assurances, especially for supplements positioned as "clean" and "nutritious." For Costco, a major retailer, the lawsuit highlights potential liabilities related to product sourcing and quality control of the items it offers to its members.

Geographic Location

• Seattle, King County, Washington, United States (class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court)